Hi All,
Just picked up a 2001 Taco with the 2.7 liter engine and 4WD. This is my first 4WD truck so my apologies for sounding... naive.

I just noticed that when in 4WD (high), the truck won't roll in neutral. It's as if the brakes are still engaged (when on a slight slope the car won't roll). In 2WD mode the car rolls normally. Maybe this is 100% normal. If not, please let me know.

thx.

 

It should roll normally if the transmission is in neutral in both 2wd and 4wd.

 

Thanks. Anyone have the next suggestion on what I could do to fix the problem? I'm assuming that I've got a transfer case problem...

 

I'm guessing from your statement that it's probably normal. Why? Well, what is a "slight slope"? When you engage 4WD you add rolling resistance, in any gear, or no gear at all. Because the front axle/diff, front driveshaft, and the transfer case are all turning now too. So when you disengage 4WD there's less rolling resistance, since they aren't turning(front wheels are then essentially "free" from the drivetrain). Which could be just enough less rolling resistance to allow the vehicle to roll down a "slight slope" in neutral. Depending on how slight, obviously.

Listen, the relevant question is this, does it drive in 4WD? As in, when you put it in gear with the engine running does it want to roll then? If not, then you got a problem.

 

it may not roll, but can you push it?

does selecting 4WD engage your front hubs automatically? because then to roll, you'd have to overcome the resistance of the front tires and front diff.

 

I can't push it (but I couldn't push in in 2WD either). Need to eat more Wheaties. But I kind of feel that you're correct. I took it for a spin and would let the truck roll to a stop. definitely is more resistance in 4WD than 2WD, but not much.

If anyone can let me know if they feel the same thing coming to a rolling stop (slightly more resistance in 4WD mode), then I guess there is no problem.

 

If it helps, I have ALWAYS felt more resistance rolling to a stop (no brakes used) in 4x4 than in 2x4. That is in my '88, my '93, and my '98 Ranger. There is just more 'stuff' in line to overcome thru inertia, so the trucks roll to a stop faster - as if they have a load in the back or something. Weird, isn't it? But you get used to it!
I'd guess as long as you engage 4x ok, and run in it fine, and all you have going on is that feeling of 'drag' a little when in 4x - I think you're fine.

Now, if things start CLUNKING too much, or GRINDING....look out!!

 

Yeah, just this last weekend out hunting, I was in 4wd, turning around on a Forest Service road, pulled forward up a very slight slope, put in the clutch, expecting my truck to roll backwards slightly...but no. I had to actually put it in reverse and used the gas. Normally, in 2wd, it would have just rolled backwards on that kind of slope. This in on my 83, though...

 

do the front axles pop when turning in 4wd? my cv boot is torn and when i stop and put it in neutral it wont roll, and when i try to drive ,there is a lot of resistance for a second then it pops free. your cv axle might be binding up. if that is the problem check your cv boots(the rubber axle covers on the front axles). if they are torn you should replace them.